A writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal requesting an order to prevent the misuse of property belonging to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy by its Acting Diyawadana Nilame, Nilanga Dela.
The petition was filed by activist Sanjaya Mahawatta, Ada Derana reporter said.
The petitioner claims that, under the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, it is strictly prohibited to lease, transfer or alienate heritage properties belonging to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Despite this, the petitioner states that in recent times, the current Acting Diyawadana Nilame has been misusing property belonging to the temple.
Accordingly, the petitioner has requested court to issue an order preventing the transfer, sale, or alienation of any assets or immovable property owned by the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Additionally, the petitioner sought a court order to carry out a comprehensive audit of all assets and properties belonging to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and also an order to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to appoint a temporary custodian to manage the affairs of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
